Great-Looking Skin and Natural–Looking Makeup
Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse!
The most common type of cleansing product used is soap but we maintain that it isn’t exactly the best thing to use on your face. Most soaps contain too much detergent which tends to dry out skin and cause allergic reactions. To get a thorough cleansing, we like to use the classic makeup remover Ponds Cold Cream because it removes deep-seated dirt. We also can’t get enough of Shu Uemura’s Cleansing Oil, a miracle product which allows you to maintain the natural suppleness of your skin even after it has been cleansed ever – so thoroughly.
TIP: Never give the skin a vigorous rubdown. Gently pat the skin dry to help preserve the skin’s moisture.
To tone or not to tone?
What most toners do is swipe off any remaining dirt that is still on your face even after you've cleansed it. But common sense tells us that you shouldn’t have to if your cleanser is effective enough to do that job on its own. We say use a toner if you enjoy that tingly, cooling sensation. Or, try out some of the more intelligent toners in the market today. Dior’s Capture R-Lotion is a wrinkle pre-treatment toner which optimizers the efficiency of the antibodies-aging serum you're advised to use afterwards. Shiseido makes a softening lotion (in lieu of toner) which prepares skin for the application of moisturizer.
TIP: Use an ultra-soft cotton pad to apply your toner. This will prevent unnecessary friction.
We all need to moisturize.
A lot of women don’t like to use a moisturizer. Unless you have very dry skin, we say forego those heavy, creamy moisturizers and opt for lightweight ones that are easily absorbed by skin. We like L’Oreal’s Visible Results Skin Perfecting Moisturizer. Using this religiously will help keep fine lines at bay, and will, ironically, prevent your oil glands from producing excess oil. (Oil glands tend to overcompensate for the lack of moisture in skin and this is what really makes your face greasier than usual.)
TIP: If your skin is extremely oily, use a gel-based moisturizer instead..
Make it a daily habit to wear SPF.
Protecting the skin from the sun is, to our mind, the single most important practice in skin care. Continuous exposure to the sun will wrinkle, dry out, and age the skin. Uneven pigmentation – from freckles to brown spots – is another side-effect of not wearing SPF. We like Shu Uemura’s Total Defender which provides both UVA and UVB protection, and doubles as an antibodies-shine product.
TIP: Apply SPF all over your face and neck, which is one of the first areas that show our real age.
Invest in an eye cream.
The area around the eye is where our skin is thinnest. This is the most wrinkle-prone area on our face. Invest in a good eye cream like Estee Lauder’s White Light Exercise Brightening Eye Cream. It brightens up the eye area, prevents fine lines, and is armed with SPF 15.
TIP: Use a tiny amount (more isn’t necessarily better when it comes to eye cream), and apply at least half an inch away from the eyes. Eye creams diffuse upwards, and you don’t want to end up with a stinging sensation.
Use a leave-in conditioner for your hair.
Bad hair days are the worst! The secret to well-groomed hair without the frizz is to apply a leave-on conditioner to your hair right before you step out of the house. L’Oreal’s liss extreme conditioner is a no-rinse type of hair-product that gives you manageable hair.
TIP: Refrain from applying the product near the scalp. Otherwise, you'll end up with a lifeless, weighed-down mane.
Makeup Truths
o Concealer witll always be your best friend. Don’t ever leave the house without applying concealer under the eyes. You never know when you'll be bumping into someone important (or cute!). Try Shiseido’s Corrective Concealer.
o If you've got great skin, skip the foundation and opt for a dusting of loose powder instead. Those with less-than-perfect skin should dot on some foundation to even out skin tone and conceal blemishes. Sue Devitt’s Triple C-Weed Loose Powder does the job well.
o A little blush goes a long way. Nothing looks worse than a pale face. More than lipstick, you'll be surprised at how pink blush on your apples can brighten and add life your face. Try L’Oreal’s Blush Delice in Marshmallow.
o An eye lash curler and ultra black mascara are the true eye-openers. Truth is, you can do without eye shadow. An eyelash curler, coupled with two swipes of black mascara – we like Estee Lauder’s Magnascopic – instantly make your eyes bigger.
o Give your lips a berry stain. For the lips, a swipe of Nivea’s Strawberry Lip Balm is all you need. If you'll want more oomph, prettify your pout with Shiseido’s Lip Gloss in Grape.
